Ingredients

1/2 cup cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons dried hot red pepper flakes (preferably Thai)

Preparation

In a small saucepan bring vinegar to a boil. Stir in sugar and simmer 5 minutes. With a mortar and pestle or in a bowl with back of a spoon pound or mash garlic to a paste with salt. Add red pepper flakes and combine well. Stir garlic paste into vinegar and cool. Sauce keeps, sealed in a jar and chilled, 5 days.